Tactful coverage lead to quality journalism

Recent criticism has risen in the journalism field regarding the coverage of 3-year-old Martin Kudlis' funeral.

Kuldlis was killed in a Colorado ice cream shop last week when a two-car accident occurred outside the store. One of the vehicles crashed into the store, killing Kudlis and the two women in the vehicle. But this isn't what causes the commotion.

What some citizens, as well as journalists, have a problem with is that the Rocky Mountain News covered the funeral live via text messaging from a phone to the paper's Web site. Although the reporter had permission to cover the funeral, it appears the paper's "taste in coverage" is being questioned.

Michelle Ferrier, a columnist and managing editor, online community hubs, for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, wrote in an email, "I think the glitz of technology has taken over common sense."

Perhaps this is true.

In reference to Ferrier's comment, John Temple, Rocky Mountain News editor, publisher and president, wrote, "We must learn to use the new tools at our disposal. Yes, there are going to be times we make mistakes, just as we do in our newspaper. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try something. It means we need to learn to do it well. That is our mission."

Or maybe this is true?

When I first read Temple's article, "New tech raises taste questions," I couldn't help but be appalled that the paper literally had live coverage as the funeral proceeded. But the more I read into the article, I can't help but be drawn to Temple's point of view. The reporter was given permission from the parents. It's not as if he went to the funeral, and the family was shocked at his or her presence.

With the advancement of technology, the opportunities to cover events are becoming endless for journalists. As the chances for live coverage increases, reporters are given the ability for the public to react and empathize as the event is unfolding, thus creating a deeper connection to what is happening at the exact moment.

I see this as a positive advancement as long as it is tastefully accomplished. I can only hope the reporter texted from an area isolated from grieving family and friends.